WRUP: If America hadn't gained independence edition
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Jul 3rd 2009 at 7:30PM }
Prithee, I hope this letter finds thee well. Our distance makes my heart yearn for you, like an A misses Zed. I spend my days contemplating napkins and seeing the colour of your eyes in the tweed jackets of the commoners walking by. The hours are long here in The Colonies. Bennington tells me that, at Her Majesty's University of New Yorkshire, they are on the verge of perfecting a machine that allows one to play games through the telly. Imagine that! To have such a magnificent device in 2009 would be ever so pip-pip hooray in passing the time. I plan to put on my finest wig tomorrow and travel there to experience their first "video game" for this device. What sport are you participating in currently?
Humbly yours,
Sir Robin Woolcott Ellington Spencer of Covington Crossing, Virginia
- Alexander Sliwinski (@XanderSliwinski): Worms 2 calls for me. If I have the time, I'd like to play some Sins of a Solar Empire.
- Andrew Yoon: Gotta try all these new PSN games, like Punisher and Droplitz. And I'm now
only minutes away from finishing my second inFamous playthrough! - Ben Gilbert (@BigBossBgilbert): Finally got Overlord in the mail so I'm delving into that for the aforementioned Super Secret Project Z™. And with any luck, I'll spend some more time wandering The Capital Wasteland in honor of the coming apocalypse this great country of ours.
- Christopher Grant (@ChrisGrant): En route to a campsite as I write this, which means it's portable game systems all the way. Of note: Silent Hill Origins on PSP. Dark woods at night with headphones and a Silent Hill game? Yes please!
- David Hinkle (@DaveHinkle): Bionic Commando came in from GameFly, so I'll probably play some of that, though first impressions are that it's a terrible game. Other than that, looking to spend some time with some new PSP games: Gitaroo Man Lives, Mega Man Powered Up, and God of War: Chains of Olympus.
- Dustin Burg (@SuperDunner): I'll continue to experiment with Kodu the community game, dabble in Prototype and play way too much Halo 3 multiplayer.
- Griffin McElroy (@griffinmcelroy): Putting a few more hours into Final Fantasy VII and the incredible, incredible Jeanne D'Arc on my PSP as I continue my hellish, ever extending Cincinnati apartment hunt.
- James Ransom-Wiley: ...
- Jem Alexander (@Yembles): I have a feeling this weekend is going to consist of some Banjo Kazooie (the original, that is), Topatoi (which is quite fun, even though it feels like a PS1-era platformer with pretty graphics) and the ever-present Rock Band Unplugged. I'll also be playing Apple Data Migration while I set up my new laptop exactly the way I want it.
- JC Fletcher (@jcfletcher): Finally trying MadWorld. I love brawlers, and I really like the scoring system and the variety of moves available, but... I'm not actually much of a fan of ultra-violence. I'll probably really enjoy the game if I can get past the immature emphasis on gore.
- Justin McElroy (@JustinMcElroy): The wife's working back to back 30-hour shifts, so I'll be knee deep in Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, Time Gentlemen, Please, maybe even some Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
- Kevin Kelly (@gadgetguy): I'm playing "don't get bitten by a rattlesnake" and "check out the naked hippies" on my Camping 2.0 gaming system.
- Ludwig Kietzmann (@LudwigK): Plans for the weekend: Gleefully destroy Martian settlements in Tales of Monkey Island; find nine more blast shards in Klonoa; defeat the dreaded zombie ghost pirate LeChuck in Red Faction: Guerrilla; and then travel across a colorful fantasy landscape in inFamous. Something like that.
- Majed Athab: Would you kindly play BioShock again.
- Randy Nelson (@DangerPenguin): Dear Fallout 3 DLC that I haven't explored yet, it is SO on. Then some Ghostbusters. 'Cause bustin' makes me feel good. (And I'm sick.)
- Richard Mitchell (@SenseiRAM): Time to wrap up Bionic Commando. After that ... um ... The Conduit? Ooh, and some more fun with Kodu.
- Xav de Matos (@Xav): With so much drama happening in the real league, I'm going to be rocking nothing but NHL 09 this weekend. (BTW -- Happy Canada & Independence Day).
- Justin Glow (@justinglow): (Working on a time machine to "fix" the past.)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
WREturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:36PM
The Conduit is actually a blast in single player, it's too bad that multiplayer sucks balls. So I'll be playing that with a helping of Cops 'n' Crooks and, as I just beat Ninjatown, I'll be playing some GTA:CTW. Maybe some more Mass Effect if I can find the time.
aReEeNeN @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:03PM
Really? I personally feel that exact opposite. To each his own though. The single player I thought was decent, not awful, not excellent. I can't get enough of the multiplayer though, it's been eating up quite a bit of my time since I got it.
WREturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:56PM
I can't believe you like the multiplayer. I just think the character models look like shit and it's laggy as all fuck. And my internet connection kicks ass, so it's not that. I don't know, maybe I should give it another go. I just don't see why the multiplayer can't be on par with Halo 2 level stuff.
But I do really like the alien guns and I think the single player is challenging with pretty decent AI. Like you said, to each his own. What do you like about the multiplayer?
Mr Khan @ Jul 3rd 2009 11:33PM
My experience with the multiplayer has been pretty good in terms of connection quality, usually. Last match i played today was pretty bad (couldn't hit anything because everything was just jumping around the screen), but generally its been smooth enough
Donald @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:37PM
Working on my backlog this weekend - Twilight Princess for the Cube, as played on a Wii. Divide by zero error imminent?
OnToGloryReturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:50PM
Just move the decimal point to the left and you have the Wii version.
Levi @ Jul 4th 2009 11:59AM
can't express how much I don't understand the use of the term back log when it comes to video games, and you have said it best. "Working on my back log." This makes gaming sound like the very opposite of fun to me.
Rodrigo @ Jul 5th 2009 12:02AM
Good!!! You are playing the best version of the game! Enjoy =)
InFaMoUs1- @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:37PM
Same ole for me Socom, LittleBigPlanet, Burnout Paradise, Bomberman ULTRA.. And I need to finish Patapon 2 and I just started Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters which is badass!
Santo @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:40PM
Did someone just finish reading The Two Georges, by Harry Turtledove, the master of Alternate History?
Rob @ Jul 3rd 2009 10:33PM
My god, I didn't think anyone here read his books.
OnToGloryReturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:42PM
If any picture needed DeadSpaceGirl it is this one.
I hope everyone has a happy and SAFE holiday.
Game-wise I shall be...
whupping ass in NHL 09 - so no change there
finishing Ghostbusters then Bioshock (halfway thru both)
watching the Uncharted 2 trailer as tears well up in my eyes
*sniff* - excuse me....
and maybe starting Call Of Juarez: Bound in Blood
because I am a bad ass hombre
Fernando Rocker @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:44PM
I want to start to play an sRPG... I like most genres of games, and I'm pretty good at some games, but I don't have any sRPG skills...
Anyone can recommend me a begginers sRPG? I heard that Advance Wars is a good series... also, I just saw Knights in the Nightmare, but that game looks extremely hard and complex...
As for what I'm playing this weekend: Maybe I will buy Rune Factory: Frontier... I have read a lot of that game, and aparently is one of the best farm RPG ever. Anyone can give me some impressions about that game?
Currently I'm playing Starfy... I heart platformers!
=p
Jerk Face @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:58PM
Final Fantasy Tactics: A2 Grimoire of the Rift is both charming and good for beginners. There is a lot of depth to be found, once you get into it, as well - at least as far as character classes and skill selections. It's simple and fun, and I can't recommend it enough.
You don't need to have played any of the prior games to enjoy it, either. The stories are not interconnected in any way.
WREturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:59PM
I don't think Ninjatown really counts as an sRPG, but I think you would totally dig it.
Spartan @ Jul 3rd 2009 10:14PM
Magical starsign: NDS
Paper mario: Wii virtual console.
Girugamuk (Moptimus Slimed) @ Jul 3rd 2009 11:00PM
"I heard that Advance Wars is a good series"
I wonder who told you that...
also, Paper Mario /=/ SRPG
Dont be pussy, get a game like Disgaea or FF Tactics or Knights in the Nightmare. Or go balls out and get Phantom Brave: We Meet Again
Alistair Azimuth PSN: johnnynumber5 @ Jul 3rd 2009 11:28PM
Valkyria Chronicles for your ps3 is one of the better ones in existence.
My favorite SRPG of all time is for the PSP and it's called Jeanne D'Arc.
Not sure about any other platforms. However, those two are pure money and can be had pretty cheap. Both are such brilliant games.
Mr Khan @ Jul 3rd 2009 11:39PM
Fire Emblem, Fire Emblem, Fire Emblem. The one for GameCube, Wii, or DS. Doesn't matter.
Rein @ Jul 4th 2009 12:28AM
I second Jeanne D'Arc and Phantom Brave Wii (or PS2 version, but waiting for the Wii version to drop would be more worth it).
Jeanne D'Arc is very simple but absolutely amazing. There are some difficulty spikes but those can be overcome with a little trial and error. Phantom Brave isn't exactly a beginner's sRPG, but it's easier than Disgaea (and better in my opinion) and has various ways to play it. It also has an outstanding soundtrack.
Zone of the Enders: the Fist of Mars for GBA was pretty awesome too...
Jrinswand @ Jul 4th 2009 12:33AM
Assuming you have a PSP, Jeanne D'Arc is the best SRPG of all time. If not, then go with Valkyria Chronicles for the PS3, assuming you have a PS3. I know it is an odd coincidence that the two best SRPGs of all time are both on Sony platforms, but that's all it is: coincidence.
As I said, though, go with Jeanne D'Arc.
Sly @ Jul 4th 2009 3:27AM
i am also with the jeanne d'arc and valkyria chronicles suggestions.
Carlos @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:44PM
Ill be playing some Blazblue, The Punisher:No mercy and then some more Blazblue
oh and did i mention Blazblue?
OnToGloryReturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:48PM
Right? BlazBlue has gotten all the buzz this week from th gamers I talk to. I was a Guily Gear fanatic and didn't realize this was apparently the same team or made up of some of the primary GG guys.
Ah, glorious 2D with all the muscle of the next gen. Bring on Muramasa please.
Maverick Saturn @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:46PM
I'll be playing........enjoying the summer heat :D Doesn't come around too often in the UK, why waste it away? ^^
I am playing freedom unite on PSP however, and once again I am addicted to the world of monster hunter!!!!!!
Rein @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:49PM
I just finished the original Splinter Cell yesterday, so today I'm sneaking around in Pandora Tomorrow in hopes that I'll be able to knock another game off of my backlog.
The Dark Wayne @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:53PM
Finally beat inFamous after not playing for 5 days, got addicted to WoW again. Gonna finally delve into Uncharted, seems sorta 4th of Julyie
Wardo @ Jul 3rd 2009 10:28PM
I have played a lot of games for the PS3 but Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is still my favorite.
I hope you enjoy it!
NukeAssault @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:58PM
BlazBlue hasn't come... According to UPS its in Alaska/In Transit at the moment lol. So i bought the W@W maps. I actually really like them. Well maybe not Sub Pens so much but the others are great. The new Zombie map is fantastic. Plan on playing that a lot tonight when my friends get on.
Manly Mcbeefington (Mr. ESC) @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:06PM
Sucks,the reviews say that Blaze Blu say is a beast. Blaze Blu is getting 9/10 reviews in Meta.
Sly @ Jul 3rd 2009 10:47PM
yeah, i hate sub pens but i love banzai, and corrosion is decent.
tmacairjordan87 @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:59PM
What better way to celebrate America than by playing Fallout 3? I'd go out tomorrow night for fireworks or something, but with the humidity it's like pushing 110 in the day and 95-100 at night in central Florida.
OnToGloryReturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:32PM
One cannot go wrong with Fallout.
allow me....
http://weseniors.homestead.com/DearHeartsAndGentlePeople.html
Sly @ Jul 3rd 2009 9:12PM
ugh, i know what you mean about heat. it's pretty bad in bama too. the heat itself is bearable, its just the damn humidity. luckily my neighbor has a kickass pool and i can go to it whenever. :D
Alistair Azimuth PSN: johnnynumber5 @ Jul 4th 2009 2:29PM
I've lived in Florida my whole life (NW FL & CEN FL) and the heat is just unbearable. If you account for the heat index (humidity) the temperature is well over 100 and is more like 114. But, strictly talking about the actual temperature it's more like 94-97. The good thing about living in the panhandle and right on the Gulf is that we get that gulf breeze and it is usually about 4 degrees cooler than neighboring towns more inland/off the water.
Jerk Face @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:01PM
I'm playing "Wife just had another baby yesterday", but in between rounds of that, I'll probably finish up Fallout 3's Point Lookout which, by the way, is fantastic. Well worth the ten bucks. Not quite as good as Broken Steel, but very close.
Fernando Rocker @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:03PM
I saw the pictures at Facebook!
Congratulations bro...
Shmil @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:27PM
Congrats man, you should name it Shmil.
Tyler @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:30PM
Congrats.
OnToGloryReturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:35PM
What a little jerk.....
>see what I did there?<
congrats
WREturns @ Jul 3rd 2009 9:02PM
shmil? I don't know about that, but WRE has a nice ring to it...
Sly @ Jul 3rd 2009 9:13PM
no, no, no, Sly should be its name.
The Dark Wayne @ Jul 3rd 2009 9:30PM
name him Bruce
Girugamuk (Moptimus Slimed) @ Jul 3rd 2009 11:03PM
you should name him after everyones favorite Gobot, Moptimus Slime
Jerk Face @ Jul 5th 2009 2:44AM
Heh. All great suggestions. Thanks for the well-wishes, gang.
Shmil @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:02PM
Just got Devil May Cry 4 from gamefly. It wasn't high on my list but this is my first Devil may cry experience. But I will be getting loaded and watching the expected abysmal that is Transformsers 2. At least it'll be free.
btw. we need a podcast!!!!
Shmil @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:07PM
Oh, charged through Prototype earlier this week and it was a lot of fun. Some annoying missions, and I didn't have that concentrated devastator that only hits one guy for the last boss so that was a pain in the ass. I wrote my first comment about 3-5 minutes into the first cutscene, and its still going! Is this to be expected for all the cutscenes? I usually play more western games, not that theres anything wrong with japan. Trying to expand my gaming horizons.
The Dark Wayne @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:15PM
did you follow my advice from the last WRUP about not buying blade frenzy? Makes it so much easier and fun imo
Manly Mcbeefington (Mr. ESC) @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:18PM
Some people say DMC2 was the worst game in the series but that title goes straight to DMC4.The game is pure evil,you have to play every stage at least twice so be strong and there are only 2 long cutscenes the rest last like 3 minutes.
At least the music and the boss battles are good but boy if it is repetitive.
Shmil @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:20PM
I didn't see your advice, but I didn't get blade frenzy until after the final boss either. I ended up just throwing everything I could at him while using the muscle mass power. Not a very effective technique. I would recommend to players not to get the whip grab right away because it makes boarding helicopters way too easy.
As for DMC4, if the rest of the game plays out half as awesome as that tutorial I'll be very pleased.